Westminster Council House Lions - Marylebone Road, London, UK
N 51° 31.289 W 000° 09.606
30U E 697014 N 5711642
This pair of stone lions, about twice life size, are located outside the entrance to the Westminster Council House building on the south side of Marylebone Road in central London.
Waymark Code: WMH59F
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 05/25/2013
Views: 5
The lions date from about 1920 when this Grade II listed building was completed. Both lions are laid down with their heads raised looking across Marylebone Road.
As mentioned the building is Grade II listed and the entry at the English Heritage website makes a brief reference to the lions:
Council house, formerly Marylebone Town Hall. 1914-20 by Sir Edwin Cooper. Portland stone, flat terrace roof. Edwardian Graeco-Roman classicism relying on mass and volume for broad fronted composition with elaboration reserved for Wren inspired central tower. Rusticated semi basement, 2 main storeys and attic storey. 13 bays wide, the 7 central bays advanced as centrepiece. Central tetrastyle portico in antis with coupled giant Corinthian columns, approached by flight of steps flanked by lions; the portico, flanked by slightly advanced one-bay pavilions with giant Corinthian columns in antis. The attic is set back and taller above portico, fronted by a balustraded parapet, with pairs of vases surmounting dies, rising over the bracketed cornice of the entablature. The attic windows of the centrepiece have armorial surrounds. Plain windows to wings. Return elevations of 8 bays, the terminal ones treated as similar pavilions to those flanking portico. The tall square tower is set back with Corinthian colonnade above plain base with pedimented and recessed stages above rising as stepped spire crowned by urn finial. Stone area balustrade surrounds site. Interior not inspected. Town Hall has bridge link to Cooper's later Library to west.